Force-feeding started at Guantanamo in response to fear that self-starving captives would stir anti-American ire. It would be ironic were this response itself to rouse worldwide outrage, making allies less likely to collaborate with us and stiffening our enemies' resolve.

As the Obama administration continues rallying its allies to hold Russia to its international law obligations in Ukraine, the international community had an opportunity this week to turn the magnifying glass the other way and question the U.S. government.

This week the United States is up for its Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Committee. One of the most contentious issues that will be raised is whether the US will accept that core human rights provisions apply outside its borders.

Catholic bishops have been saying that the federal mandate that private insurers cover contraceptive services violates religious freedom. But the Catholic Church also supports policies that compromise the religious and moral freedom of others.